Tiwi Islands tourism to get a boost with new ferry route

Published on : Thursday, May 5, 2016

Territorians and tourists will soon be travelling in a brand new $2.6 million ferry on the Mandorah ferry route with the Northern Territory Government today welcoming the announcement by SeaLink NT that it will invest in a new vessel.

Deputy Chief Minister Peter Styles said this also comes alongside the announcement two of Australia’s largest tourism and transport operators, SeaLink Travel Group and AAT Kings have joined forces to boost tourism to the Tiwi Islands.

Mr Styles said both are positive announcements for Territorians and tourists alike.

“The new 20 metre, $2.6 million vessel will have a capacity for 150 passengers and will be primarily used to service the Mandorah ferry service on Darwin Harbour,” Mr Styles said.

“The ferry will also support the Tiwi route as required and is expected to commence service in September.

“With the settlement of the Kenbi Land Claim the future possibilities for development on the Cox Peninsula are immense.

“This will dramatically increase demand for ferry services to Mandorah and eventually is likely to lead to a car ferry service being established.

“In addition, the commitment by these two companies to utilise their impressive national and global networks to promote the Tiwi Islands as a tourism destination is very exciting.”

Member for Arafura Francis Kurrupuwu said the Tiwi Islands would benefit substantially from the collaborative approach.

“I know that the local Tiwi tourism enterprises look forward to working with these companies to promote the Tiwi Islands as a must-do destination for domestic and international travellers,” Mr Kurrupuwu said.

“It is a unique and stunning part of the world and this new partnership will help spread the word about what we have to offer.”